Shawn Greenway is the Co-founder of FormWise. He has a passion for leveraging SaaS solutions and strategic business development to drive growth. With a background in sales of more than 20 years and extensive experience leading a marketing agency, Shawn specializes in optimizing lead generation processes for companies of all sizes. Shawn has empowered countless entrepreneurs to streamline their sales pipelines and maximize productivity. His expertise and commitment to continuous improvement make him a sought-after speaker, offering valuable insights on business development, marketing strategy, and the power of automation & AI in today's digital landscape.
Shawn Greenway is the Co-founder of FormWise. He has a passion for leveraging SaaS solutions and strategic business development to drive growth. With a background in sales of more than 20 years and extensive experience leading a marketing agency, Shawn specializes in optimizing lead generation processes for companies of all sizes. Shawn has empowered countless entrepreneurs to streamline their sales pipelines and maximize productivity. His expertise and commitment to continuous improvement make him a sought-after speaker, offering valuable insights on business development, marketing strategy, and the power of automation & AI in today's digital landscape.
Javier is a seasoned entrepreneur and Co-Founder of FormWise, with a wealth of experience in directly collaborating with hundreds of small businesses and serving thousands of users in an investor-backed AI startup. His deep understanding of the needs and challenges faced by small businesses, coupled with his expertise in harnessing the power of AI technology, has enabled him to envision a platform that democratizes AI for anyone with no code. Javier's passion for innovation and dedication to empowering businesses through technology make him an interesting speaker, offering valuable insights into the intersection of AI, entrepreneurship, and business development.
Javier is a seasoned entrepreneur and Co-Founder of FormWise, with a wealth of experience in directly collaborating with hundreds of small businesses and serving thousands of users in an investor-backed AI startup. His deep understanding of the needs and challenges faced by small businesses, coupled with his expertise in harnessing the power of AI technology, has enabled him to envision a platform that democratizes AI for anyone with no code. Javier's passion for innovation and dedication to empowering businesses through technology make him an interesting speaker, offering valuable insights into the intersection of AI, entrepreneurship, and business development.
Bill Smith began his current role as State of Alaska Chief Information Officer in November 2019. In this position
he is responsible for leading the Office of information Technology, managing all enterprise information
technology services and related resources within the executive branch of the State, and providing strategic
oversight of the State enterprise systems and infrastructure.
Shortly after assuming this position, Bill played a key role in technology related response to the global
pandemic. During his tenure, the State of Alaska executive branch has made significant strides in enabling
secure remote access for employees, drastically reducing cybersecurity vulnerabilities, actively combating the
rapid increase in threat activity, and attacking technical debt within the enterprise.
Bill has over 30 years of experience leading teams of all sizes in both the public and private sectors. During his
successful career in the United States Army, he was a lead participant in several high-level Headquarters,
Department of the Army projects involving operational forecasting and national force structure. Additionally,
he was called upon to direct combat military operations and develop an innovative aviation organization and
training program to meet critical Army intelligence collection requirements.
After retiring from the Army, Bill chose to stay in Alaska and entered the private sector with a major Alaska
based broadband and communications provider. Over the course of several years, he served in senior product,
project and program management roles covering the spectrum of technology solutions provided to business,
consumer, and government agencies in Alaska. In his role as the Senior Manager of Customer Support, Bill
redesigned the company’s service assurance manager program to provide improved and deeply engaged
customer support to strategic partners.
Bill and his wife Jo have three children. Following a military career taking them around the globe, they have
enjoyed raising their family and making their home in the Last Frontier.
Bill Smith began his current role as State of Alaska Chief Information Officer in November 2019. In this position
he is responsible for leading the Office of information Technology, managing all enterprise information
technology services and related resources within the executive branch of the State, and providing strategic
oversight of the State enterprise systems and infrastructure.
Shortly after assuming this position, Bill played a key role in technology related response to the global
pandemic. During his tenure, the State of Alaska executive branch has made significant strides in enabling
secure remote access for employees, drastically reducing cybersecurity vulnerabilities, actively combating the
rapid increase in threat activity, and attacking technical debt within the enterprise.
Bill has over 30 years of experience leading teams of all sizes in both the public and private sectors. During his
successful career in the United States Army, he was a lead participant in several high-level Headquarters,
Department of the Army projects involving operational forecasting and national force structure. Additionally,
he was called upon to direct combat military operations and develop an innovative aviation organization and
training program to meet critical Army intelligence collection requirements.
After retiring from the Army, Bill chose to stay in Alaska and entered the private sector with a major Alaska
based broadband and communications provider. Over the course of several years, he served in senior product,
project and program management roles covering the spectrum of technology solutions provided to business,
consumer, and government agencies in Alaska. In his role as the Senior Manager of Customer Support, Bill
redesigned the company’s service assurance manager program to provide improved and deeply engaged
customer support to strategic partners.
Bill and his wife Jo have three children. Following a military career taking them around the globe, they have
enjoyed raising their family and making their home in the Last Frontier.
David Reeser is a serial entrepreneur, inventor, and mentor to startup founders.
David is the Founder and CEO at OpiAID, a data science company making the treatment of substance use disorder safer and more effective. OpiAID leverages machine learning on data from the electronic health records (EHR) of patients and combines it with biometric data collected from wrist-worn devices to provide timely and actionable data to clinicians, allowing for just-in-time interventions that can save a life, and improve retention in treatment.
David has been awarded Coastal Entrepreneur of the Year, recipient of an SBIR Phase I and Fast Track funding from the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA), graduate of the NIH I-Corps program, Mentor to John Hopkins’ I4SUD program, and has presented on stages around the world on AI and the use of wearables in healthcare.
David Reeser is a serial entrepreneur, inventor, and mentor to startup founders.
David is the Founder and CEO at OpiAID, a data science company making the treatment of substance use disorder safer and more effective. OpiAID leverages machine learning on data from the electronic health records (EHR) of patients and combines it with biometric data collected from wrist-worn devices to provide timely and actionable data to clinicians, allowing for just-in-time interventions that can save a life, and improve retention in treatment.
David has been awarded Coastal Entrepreneur of the Year, recipient of an SBIR Phase I and Fast Track funding from the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA), graduate of the NIH I-Corps program, Mentor to John Hopkins’ I4SUD program, and has presented on stages around the world on AI and the use of wearables in healthcare.
Michael brings to the table 30 years of extensive experience in the technology industry, having worked in both the private and public sectors to integrate technology into a diverse array of businesses and organizations. He has devoted the last twelve years of his career at Microsoft in his role as a Data & AI Specialist, where he has collaborated with State and Local Governments across the country. His most recent endeavors include aiding organizations in modernizing their data estates, leveraging analytics, and positioning them for the upcoming wave of AI advancements.
Michael brings to the table 30 years of extensive experience in the technology industry, having worked in both the private and public sectors to integrate technology into a diverse array of businesses and organizations. He has devoted the last twelve years of his career at Microsoft in his role as a Data & AI Specialist, where he has collaborated with State and Local Governments across the country. His most recent endeavors include aiding organizations in modernizing their data estates, leveraging analytics, and positioning them for the upcoming wave of AI advancements.
Michelle Egan is Alyeska’s Chief Communications Officer responsible for managing Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Valdez communications staff. Michelle oversees all of the company’s formal internal and external communications programs, including media relations, community relations, government relations, philanthropy and stakeholder relations.
Michelle brings more than 25 years of professional communications and public relations experience to the position and offers great depth in areas such as communication strategies and crisis communication management. Michelle is accredited in Public Relations and a member of the Public Relations Society of America College of Fellows. She was the 2023 Chair of the Board of Directors for PRSA, the nationa’s largest professional association for communicators. She previously worked in communications roles with the Anchorage School District, the Anchorage Economic Development Corporation and Junior Achievement of Alaska.
Michelle was raised in Kodiak. She is a graduate of Boston College with a degree in Psychology and holds a master’s degree in Strategic Communications and Leadership from Seton Hall University.
Michelle Egan is Alyeska’s Chief Communications Officer responsible for managing Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Valdez communications staff. Michelle oversees all of the company’s formal internal and external communications programs, including media relations, community relations, government relations, philanthropy and stakeholder relations.
Michelle brings more than 25 years of professional communications and public relations experience to the position and offers great depth in areas such as communication strategies and crisis communication management. Michelle is accredited in Public Relations and a member of the Public Relations Society of America College of Fellows. She was the 2023 Chair of the Board of Directors for PRSA, the nationa’s largest professional association for communicators. She previously worked in communications roles with the Anchorage School District, the Anchorage Economic Development Corporation and Junior Achievement of Alaska.
Michelle was raised in Kodiak. She is a graduate of Boston College with a degree in Psychology and holds a master’s degree in Strategic Communications and Leadership from Seton Hall University.
Mark Begich is the President and CEO of Northern Compass Group LLC. A businessman since age 14 and a public servant with decades of experience, Begich has built an impressive record of accomplishments on some of the most complicated and important issues such as fisheries, travel & tourism, transportation, resource development, tribal and Alaska Native interests, the Arctic, education, veterans, commerce, housing and more.
During his tenure as U.S. Senator for Alaska, Mark Begich earned the reputation of a hard-working, pragmatic problem-solver who was willing to work across party lines to get things done. Defying party labels and drawing daily on his business background, Begich broke down bureaucratic barriers to get things done.
Quickly rising to leadership positions, Begich chaired both the Steering and Outreach Committee and the Oceans Subcommittee. He also served on other influential committees including Appropriations, Commerce, Veterans, Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, Armed Services, and Indian Affairs.
In addition, Begich was appointed to the President’s Export Council, the national advisory board to the White House on important export and trade policy. Begich was also named Chair of the bipartisan U.S.-China Inter-parliamentary Group aimed at improving trade relations between the U.S. and China.
Prior to serving in the Senate, Begich was the Mayor of Anchorage for six years and served on the Anchorage Assembly for ten years.
Begich is married to Anchorage businesswoman Deborah Bonito, president and owner of Sourdough Mercantile Inc. and several other small businesses. Their son, Jacob, currently attends college at Georgetown University.
Mark Begich is the President and CEO of Northern Compass Group LLC. A businessman since age 14 and a public servant with decades of experience, Begich has built an impressive record of accomplishments on some of the most complicated and important issues such as fisheries, travel & tourism, transportation, resource development, tribal and Alaska Native interests, the Arctic, education, veterans, commerce, housing and more.
During his tenure as U.S. Senator for Alaska, Mark Begich earned the reputation of a hard-working, pragmatic problem-solver who was willing to work across party lines to get things done. Defying party labels and drawing daily on his business background, Begich broke down bureaucratic barriers to get things done.
Quickly rising to leadership positions, Begich chaired both the Steering and Outreach Committee and the Oceans Subcommittee. He also served on other influential committees including Appropriations, Commerce, Veterans, Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, Armed Services, and Indian Affairs.
In addition, Begich was appointed to the President’s Export Council, the national advisory board to the White House on important export and trade policy. Begich was also named Chair of the bipartisan U.S.-China Inter-parliamentary Group aimed at improving trade relations between the U.S. and China.
Prior to serving in the Senate, Begich was the Mayor of Anchorage for six years and served on the Anchorage Assembly for ten years.
Begich is married to Anchorage businesswoman Deborah Bonito, president and owner of Sourdough Mercantile Inc. and several other small businesses. Their son, Jacob, currently attends college at Georgetown University.
Former Alaska Governor Sean Parnell began his role as chancellor of the University of Alaska Anchorage on June 12, 2021. Since his appointment in 2021, Chancellor Parnell has pursued key initiatives focusing on college affordability, student success, and positioning UAA as a trusted community partner. The Chancellor works to advance UAA’s role as Alaska’s largest workforce provider, and the flagship university for health and Arctic public policy.
Prior to becoming Chancellor, Parnell was an attorney practicing law in Alaska for twenty-five years. Parnell served as the 10th Governor of the State of Alaska from 2009-2014. His leadership expanded funding for education, helped combat domestic violence and sexual assault, and lifted Alaska to record economic prosperity and employment. The Chancellor previously served in the Alaska State Legislature, including two terms in the House and later in the Alaska State Senate where he was Co-Chair of the Senate Finance Committee. He was elected Lieutenant Governor in 2006 and became Governor of Alaska in 2009.
Chancellor Parnell is a graduate of East Anchorage High School. He holds a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Pacific Lutheran University and a Juris Doctor degree from the Seattle University School of Law.
The Chancellor and Sandy Parnell have lived in Anchorage and the Mat-Su Valley for more than 35 years, and are the proud parents of two daughters and four grandchildren.
Former Alaska Governor Sean Parnell began his role as chancellor of the University of Alaska Anchorage on June 12, 2021. Since his appointment in 2021, Chancellor Parnell has pursued key initiatives focusing on college affordability, student success, and positioning UAA as a trusted community partner. The Chancellor works to advance UAA’s role as Alaska’s largest workforce provider, and the flagship university for health and Arctic public policy.
Prior to becoming Chancellor, Parnell was an attorney practicing law in Alaska for twenty-five years. Parnell served as the 10th Governor of the State of Alaska from 2009-2014. His leadership expanded funding for education, helped combat domestic violence and sexual assault, and lifted Alaska to record economic prosperity and employment. The Chancellor previously served in the Alaska State Legislature, including two terms in the House and later in the Alaska State Senate where he was Co-Chair of the Senate Finance Committee. He was elected Lieutenant Governor in 2006 and became Governor of Alaska in 2009.
Chancellor Parnell is a graduate of East Anchorage High School. He holds a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Pacific Lutheran University and a Juris Doctor degree from the Seattle University School of Law.
The Chancellor and Sandy Parnell have lived in Anchorage and the Mat-Su Valley for more than 35 years, and are the proud parents of two daughters and four grandchildren.
Christi Bell, currently the Associate Vice Chancellor and Executive Director of the Business Enterprise Institute (BEI), has served in leadership roles at the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) for more than 15 years. BEI encompasses the University’s suite of business and economic development programs including the Small Business Development Center.
Bell serves as a member of the UAA Chancellor’s Cabinet, a chair of the UAA 2025 Strategic Plan development, and contributed leadership to the shared services, Facilities & Administration (F&A), Change & Leadership, and Prioritization task forces. Bell has extensive experience with the overall UA budgeting processes and shared governance and has strong working relationships with faculty, staff, and leadership across UAA and the UA’s campuses.
Bell is regularly called upon by state and federal stakeholders to consult and provide testimony on matters impacting Alaska and the University system. With this experience as a backdrop, Bell’s focus is on providing leadership, vision, and strategic direction towards ensuring students, faculty, and staff have opportunities to engage with and benefit from relationships with public and private sector entities.
Bell holds a CEcD (Certificate in Economic Development) from the International Economic Development Council as well as a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Science in Resource Management, both from the University of Alaska Fairbanks.
Christi Bell, currently the Associate Vice Chancellor and Executive Director of the Business Enterprise Institute (BEI), has served in leadership roles at the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) for more than 15 years. BEI encompasses the University’s suite of business and economic development programs including the Small Business Development Center.
Bell serves as a member of the UAA Chancellor’s Cabinet, a chair of the UAA 2025 Strategic Plan development, and contributed leadership to the shared services, Facilities & Administration (F&A), Change & Leadership, and Prioritization task forces. Bell has extensive experience with the overall UA budgeting processes and shared governance and has strong working relationships with faculty, staff, and leadership across UAA and the UA’s campuses.
Bell is regularly called upon by state and federal stakeholders to consult and provide testimony on matters impacting Alaska and the University system. With this experience as a backdrop, Bell’s focus is on providing leadership, vision, and strategic direction towards ensuring students, faculty, and staff have opportunities to engage with and benefit from relationships with public and private sector entities.
Bell holds a CEcD (Certificate in Economic Development) from the International Economic Development Council as well as a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Science in Resource Management, both from the University of Alaska Fairbanks.
Vicky Ho is the managing editor at the Anchorage Daily News, where she's responsible for content and day-to-day management of the newsroom across platforms. She earned a bachelor's degree in English from the University of Texas at Austin and went on to work as an editor and page designer at a daily newspaper in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, before landing in Alaska. In addition to her work at the ADN, she's coached local newsrooms across the country through a Poynter Institute program that helps news organizations transition to sustainable digital publishing models and embrace performance-driven change. Vicky is an avid skier and hiker who's proud to call Anchorage home.
Vicky Ho is the managing editor at the Anchorage Daily News, where she's responsible for content and day-to-day management of the newsroom across platforms. She earned a bachelor's degree in English from the University of Texas at Austin and went on to work as an editor and page designer at a daily newspaper in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, before landing in Alaska. In addition to her work at the ADN, she's coached local newsrooms across the country through a Poynter Institute program that helps news organizations transition to sustainable digital publishing models and embrace performance-driven change. Vicky is an avid skier and hiker who's proud to call Anchorage home.
Mitch Kitter serves as the Director for Security Architecture and Planning at GCI, where he balances enabling technology with risk mitigation to drive business value. His curiosity drives a strong interest where AI, telecommunications, and cybersecurity intersect. While not from a traditional AI background, his perspective aims to inform the secure use of Large Language Models (LLMs) and other forms of Generative AI within various business contexts.
Mitch Kitter serves as the Director for Security Architecture and Planning at GCI, where he balances enabling technology with risk mitigation to drive business value. His curiosity drives a strong interest where AI, telecommunications, and cybersecurity intersect. While not from a traditional AI background, his perspective aims to inform the secure use of Large Language Models (LLMs) and other forms of Generative AI within various business contexts.
Kristen at the start of her career sought to become a teacher. Deciding that to be a good one she needed to have a strong understanding of technology, so she bought her first computer and started exploring the internet. (Compuserve!)
She has worked in the online marketing industry for over 25 years in a variety of roles e-commerce manager, marketing director, SEO specialist, and marketing strategist.
Recent advances in A.I. inspired her to leverage her experience managing large sets of marketing data into a specialized consultancy focused on helping organizations use their data successfully.
Kristen at the start of her career sought to become a teacher. Deciding that to be a good one she needed to have a strong understanding of technology, so she bought her first computer and started exploring the internet. (Compuserve!)
She has worked in the online marketing industry for over 25 years in a variety of roles e-commerce manager, marketing director, SEO specialist, and marketing strategist.
Recent advances in A.I. inspired her to leverage her experience managing large sets of marketing data into a specialized consultancy focused on helping organizations use their data successfully.
Dr. Brian J. Pierre is the Manager of the Power Systems Research Department at Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, NM, USA. Brian also manages the Advanced Grid Modeling Program, the Wildfire Grid Resilience Program, and the Consortium for Research and Education in Power and Energy Systems (CREPES). He also leads a Sandia strategic initiative on Artificial Intelligence applied to the electric grid.
He holds a M.S. and Ph.D. in electrical engineering from Arizona State University focused on electric power systems, Tempe, AZ, USA, and a B.S. degree in electrical engineering from Boise State University, Boise, ID, USA. He’s research interests are AI applied to the electric grid, grid resilience, power system dynamics and controls, and renewable energy integration.
Dr. Brian J. Pierre is the Manager of the Power Systems Research Department at Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, NM, USA. Brian also manages the Advanced Grid Modeling Program, the Wildfire Grid Resilience Program, and the Consortium for Research and Education in Power and Energy Systems (CREPES). He also leads a Sandia strategic initiative on Artificial Intelligence applied to the electric grid.
He holds a M.S. and Ph.D. in electrical engineering from Arizona State University focused on electric power systems, Tempe, AZ, USA, and a B.S. degree in electrical engineering from Boise State University, Boise, ID, USA. He’s research interests are AI applied to the electric grid, grid resilience, power system dynamics and controls, and renewable energy integration.
For over 15 years, our CMO Jennifer Christensen is a digital marketing expert in Alaska and nationwide. Her ability to make connections between concepts, ideas, and trends alongside her award-winning sales and marketing expertise has presented opportunities for local and national speaking engagements – and has propelled Beacon from the local level to working nationwide, predominantly in the fields of mental health and functional medicine.
In 2012, Jennifer joined forces with Adrienne Wilkerson of Beacon Publishing + Design to form Beacon Media + Marketing with a vision to help small businesses thrive. Together, they honed the Beacon vision and decided to prioritize people over profit, or what they both like to call, profit with a purpose.
Jennifer’s comprehensive knowledge includes all aspects of social media, web, email, online advertising, AI tools, and media buying plans. As a leader of our hybrid company, her contagious positive energy and charming smile permeate our homes and offices every single day.
Jennifer has a Certificate in Online Marketing and Social Media from the University of San Francisco. She was also the first Alaskan to be Inbound Marketing Certified. Alongside Adrienne, she was jointly recognized as the Marketing Visionary of the Year by the American Marketing Association of Alaska. In addition, recently she was named Marketer of the Year by AMA Alaska and together with CEO Adrienne Wilkerson landed Beacon Media + Marketing on the INC 5000 list in 2023, won the Communicator Award for UX Structure & Navigation for the Ellie Mental Health website, and recently was honored as a Clutch Champion in the Fall of 2023.
Jennifer is passionate about fitness, learning about new and emerging AI tools, her volunteer work, and she is a proud wife and mother – having been married to her husband for over 30 years and counting. She currently attends the Harvard University Extension Program and is finishing her Master’s Degree. Jennifer is fulfilled by serving her family and her community at large and uplifting others and currently serves on the Board of the Downtown Soup Kitchen, and the Hope Center.
For over 15 years, our CMO Jennifer Christensen is a digital marketing expert in Alaska and nationwide. Her ability to make connections between concepts, ideas, and trends alongside her award-winning sales and marketing expertise has presented opportunities for local and national speaking engagements – and has propelled Beacon from the local level to working nationwide, predominantly in the fields of mental health and functional medicine.
In 2012, Jennifer joined forces with Adrienne Wilkerson of Beacon Publishing + Design to form Beacon Media + Marketing with a vision to help small businesses thrive. Together, they honed the Beacon vision and decided to prioritize people over profit, or what they both like to call, profit with a purpose.
Jennifer’s comprehensive knowledge includes all aspects of social media, web, email, online advertising, AI tools, and media buying plans. As a leader of our hybrid company, her contagious positive energy and charming smile permeate our homes and offices every single day.
Jennifer has a Certificate in Online Marketing and Social Media from the University of San Francisco. She was also the first Alaskan to be Inbound Marketing Certified. Alongside Adrienne, she was jointly recognized as the Marketing Visionary of the Year by the American Marketing Association of Alaska. In addition, recently she was named Marketer of the Year by AMA Alaska and together with CEO Adrienne Wilkerson landed Beacon Media + Marketing on the INC 5000 list in 2023, won the Communicator Award for UX Structure & Navigation for the Ellie Mental Health website, and recently was honored as a Clutch Champion in the Fall of 2023.
Jennifer is passionate about fitness, learning about new and emerging AI tools, her volunteer work, and she is a proud wife and mother – having been married to her husband for over 30 years and counting. She currently attends the Harvard University Extension Program and is finishing her Master’s Degree. Jennifer is fulfilled by serving her family and her community at large and uplifting others and currently serves on the Board of the Downtown Soup Kitchen, and the Hope Center.
Miles Baker is a second-generation Alaskan who grew up in Juneau and Anchorage. He has 20+ years of experience in public policy, government relations, and external affairs in the state. Miles has held leadership roles in the executive, legislative and congressional branches of government, and managed complex policy initiatives through a range of public and legislative processes. Currently, he is the Managing Principal at Miles Baker Alaska, an Anchorage based strategic consulting and lobbying firm. Previously, he was Legislative Director and Infrastructure Investment Coordinator for Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy, VP Government Relations for the University of Alaska System, VP External Affairs for the Alaska Gasline Development Corporation, State Director for U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski, and long-time senior appropriations staff to the Alaska State Senate.
Before returning to Alaska in 2003, Miles was an entertainment executive in Los Angeles, a Six-Sigma Black Belt at NBC Entertainment and National Director of Sales and Marketing with Sony-BMG’s classical and jazz division. He began his music career in artist development at Island Records and Arista Records.
A former U.S. Marine Corps logistics officer, Miles holds a BS in Ocean Engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy and MBA from UCLA’s Anderson School of Management.
Miles Baker is a second-generation Alaskan who grew up in Juneau and Anchorage. He has 20+ years of experience in public policy, government relations, and external affairs in the state. Miles has held leadership roles in the executive, legislative and congressional branches of government, and managed complex policy initiatives through a range of public and legislative processes. Currently, he is the Managing Principal at Miles Baker Alaska, an Anchorage based strategic consulting and lobbying firm. Previously, he was Legislative Director and Infrastructure Investment Coordinator for Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy, VP Government Relations for the University of Alaska System, VP External Affairs for the Alaska Gasline Development Corporation, State Director for U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski, and long-time senior appropriations staff to the Alaska State Senate.
Before returning to Alaska in 2003, Miles was an entertainment executive in Los Angeles, a Six-Sigma Black Belt at NBC Entertainment and National Director of Sales and Marketing with Sony-BMG’s classical and jazz division. He began his music career in artist development at Island Records and Arista Records.
A former U.S. Marine Corps logistics officer, Miles holds a BS in Ocean Engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy and MBA from UCLA’s Anderson School of Management.
Julie Decker, PhD, is the Director/CEO of the Anchorage Museum in Alaska, which is a leading center for scholarship, engagement, and investigation of Alaska and the North. Decker’s career has been focused on the people and environment of Northern places and building projects and initiatives that are in service to local and global communities. Before becoming Director/CEO, Decker served as the Museum’s Chief Curator. She has a doctorate in art history, a master’s degree in arts administration, and bachelors degrees in fine arts and journalism. She has curated and designed numerous exhibitions, taught classes, and authored and edited numerous publications on subjects ranging from contemporary art and architecture of the North, to many aspects of the Arctic environment and histories.
Julie Decker, PhD, is the Director/CEO of the Anchorage Museum in Alaska, which is a leading center for scholarship, engagement, and investigation of Alaska and the North. Decker’s career has been focused on the people and environment of Northern places and building projects and initiatives that are in service to local and global communities. Before becoming Director/CEO, Decker served as the Museum’s Chief Curator. She has a doctorate in art history, a master’s degree in arts administration, and bachelors degrees in fine arts and journalism. She has curated and designed numerous exhibitions, taught classes, and authored and edited numerous publications on subjects ranging from contemporary art and architecture of the North, to many aspects of the Arctic environment and histories.
Christine is the President and Chief Executive Officer of ASRC Energy Services (AES). With over 30 years of experience in senior management leadership, finance and technology development, Christine’s focus is to ensure that AES services are delivered with the highest attention to safety, quality and excellence. As CEO, she has diversified the business, expanded operations and market share and been a leader in Alaska’s energy industry. She is currently teaching a graduate class on Innovation at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. She is on the Executive Board for the Alaska Resource Development Council and she sits on the Board of Directors for Lifting Solutions, an ARC Financial portfolio company. In November 2023, Christine was elected to the Board of Directors for the American Petroleum Institute.
Christine is the President and Chief Executive Officer of ASRC Energy Services (AES). With over 30 years of experience in senior management leadership, finance and technology development, Christine’s focus is to ensure that AES services are delivered with the highest attention to safety, quality and excellence. As CEO, she has diversified the business, expanded operations and market share and been a leader in Alaska’s energy industry. She is currently teaching a graduate class on Innovation at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. She is on the Executive Board for the Alaska Resource Development Council and she sits on the Board of Directors for Lifting Solutions, an ARC Financial portfolio company. In November 2023, Christine was elected to the Board of Directors for the American Petroleum Institute.
Lanáat yóo x‘át duwasáakw
Yéil náa áyá x‘át
Lukaax.ádi x‘át sitee
Yéil hít áyá x‘át
Shanguqueidí yadí áyá x‘át
Jilkaat dax áyá x‘át
I am Rico Lanaat Worl
I am of the raven moiety
I am from the Lukaax.ádí clan
And from the raven house
From the Chilkat Kwaan
I am from my fathers people, the Shanguqeidí
I am from 10 thousand years of a people’s relationship to this land
I am from at least 4 thousand years of a people’s study in a specific design style
I am from 525 year of colonization
And more importantly, I am from 525 years of survivance
I am from the Tlingit People and the Athabascan people
I am from the dedication of the generations before me as they worked to pass the Alaska Native
Claims Settlement Act
I am from a family of strong loving people.
I am from sega genesis and super nintendo with my cousins
And from star trek and star wars with my homework
and I’m from the 90’s with my homies
from the rise of the age of the internet.
I am from university of pennsylvania department of Anthropology class of 2008
I am from urban exploration
I’m from hometown Downtown
I am from pigment and silver
I am from digital vector points.
Where I am from has brought me to 3 major goals that all my work addresses: Intra-Community
Strength, Inter-Community Connection, and Cultural Diplomacy.
Intra-Community strength - Trickster Company happened when I painted my own longboard with
my clan crest. To represent. I made one for my cousin and then for his cousin. It was clear
Native people were drawn to items that are symbols of both their modern daily identity mixed
with representing their indigenous identity. I create to provide symbols for cultural pride. The
playing cards were a response to seeing so much “native art” sold to tourists with little to more
likely no return to the communities that spent thousands of years developing formline. I create to
bring home a fraction of that market share. Survivance is a term coined by Anishinaabe cultural
theorist Gerald Viznor. Survivance is more than mere survival, its means to tell of an active
presence and a rich faceted continuance.
Inter-Community connection - Cross cultural understanding and empathy is vital to our diverse
community. And the future is diverse, so it’s urgent we all have strong bridges for sharing our
social capital. I often design with the goal that the things I make can be enjoyed by anyone,
giving anyone the opportunity to appreciate NWC art style without appropriating it.
Cultural Diplomacy - Having the opportunity to be visible, I also have the responsibility to
represent. With the opportunity of a platform I hope to educate those I reach about the richness
our culture has to offer.
Creativity is really both the means for social opportunities as well as the product.
Lanáat yóo x‘át duwasáakw
Yéil náa áyá x‘át
Lukaax.ádi x‘át sitee
Yéil hít áyá x‘át
Shanguqueidí yadí áyá x‘át
Jilkaat dax áyá x‘át
I am Rico Lanaat Worl
I am of the raven moiety
I am from the Lukaax.ádí clan
And from the raven house
From the Chilkat Kwaan
I am from my fathers people, the Shanguqeidí
I am from 10 thousand years of a people’s relationship to this land
I am from at least 4 thousand years of a people’s study in a specific design style
I am from 525 year of colonization
And more importantly, I am from 525 years of survivance
I am from the Tlingit People and the Athabascan people
I am from the dedication of the generations before me as they worked to pass the Alaska Native
Claims Settlement Act
I am from a family of strong loving people.
I am from sega genesis and super nintendo with my cousins
And from star trek and star wars with my homework
and I’m from the 90’s with my homies
from the rise of the age of the internet.
I am from university of pennsylvania department of Anthropology class of 2008
I am from urban exploration
I’m from hometown Downtown
I am from pigment and silver
I am from digital vector points.
Where I am from has brought me to 3 major goals that all my work addresses: Intra-Community
Strength, Inter-Community Connection, and Cultural Diplomacy.
Intra-Community strength - Trickster Company happened when I painted my own longboard with
my clan crest. To represent. I made one for my cousin and then for his cousin. It was clear
Native people were drawn to items that are symbols of both their modern daily identity mixed
with representing their indigenous identity. I create to provide symbols for cultural pride. The
playing cards were a response to seeing so much “native art” sold to tourists with little to more
likely no return to the communities that spent thousands of years developing formline. I create to
bring home a fraction of that market share. Survivance is a term coined by Anishinaabe cultural
theorist Gerald Viznor. Survivance is more than mere survival, its means to tell of an active
presence and a rich faceted continuance.
Inter-Community connection - Cross cultural understanding and empathy is vital to our diverse
community. And the future is diverse, so it’s urgent we all have strong bridges for sharing our
social capital. I often design with the goal that the things I make can be enjoyed by anyone,
giving anyone the opportunity to appreciate NWC art style without appropriating it.
Cultural Diplomacy - Having the opportunity to be visible, I also have the responsibility to
represent. With the opportunity of a platform I hope to educate those I reach about the richness
our culture has to offer.
Creativity is really both the means for social opportunities as well as the product.
Kenrick Mock is a professor of Computer Science and dean of the College of Engineering. Kenrick has taught over 20 courses and conducts research in artificial intelligence, complex systems, computer security, eye tracking, systems modeling, and computer science education. He has over 20 years of programming experience and has co-authored several books on computer programming. He is the past chair of the Task Force for Undergraduate Research, a committee that seeks to promote research experiences for undergraduates through grants, student activities, curriculum, and faculty development.
Kenrick Mock is a professor of Computer Science and dean of the College of Engineering. Kenrick has taught over 20 courses and conducts research in artificial intelligence, complex systems, computer security, eye tracking, systems modeling, and computer science education. He has over 20 years of programming experience and has co-authored several books on computer programming. He is the past chair of the Task Force for Undergraduate Research, a committee that seeks to promote research experiences for undergraduates through grants, student activities, curriculum, and faculty development.
Lauren Decker, co-founder and Chief Science Officer at PolArctic, holds a Masters in Science (MS) in Oceanography from the University of Rhode Island and has over a decade of scientific research, modeling, and data analysis experience. Lauren is the Lead Scientist and responsible for PolArctic's Project Management Division and oversight of contracts. She is Yup’ik, born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska.
PolArctic is an oceanographic, and data science company with a focus on creating tailored products of the Arctic. We are identifying and creating solutions to business and policy questions about the Arctic through the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) techniques. This allows our customers the ability to confidently plan future Arctic maritime activities.
Lauren Decker, co-founder and Chief Science Officer at PolArctic, holds a Masters in Science (MS) in Oceanography from the University of Rhode Island and has over a decade of scientific research, modeling, and data analysis experience. Lauren is the Lead Scientist and responsible for PolArctic's Project Management Division and oversight of contracts. She is Yup’ik, born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska.
PolArctic is an oceanographic, and data science company with a focus on creating tailored products of the Arctic. We are identifying and creating solutions to business and policy questions about the Arctic through the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) techniques. This allows our customers the ability to confidently plan future Arctic maritime activities.
Justin Milette is born and raised in Anchorage, is a visionary entrepreneur and esteemed figure in the real estate sector. He is the owner/founder behind Aspire Realty Group, a trendsetter in real estate sales. Owner of Casa Rentals, offering premium vacation rental properties and management, and 3rd Avenue Investments, where he capitalizes on strategic downtown real estate investments and development. His achievements have garnered significant recognition, making him a respected voice in Alaska’s business community and a valued panelist for his insights into entrepreneurship, real estate, and the impact of artificial intelligence on helping business growth. He recently spoke on a panel on the Anchorage Chamber’s “Make it Monday” panel on AI and ChatGPT use.
Justin Milette is born and raised in Anchorage, is a visionary entrepreneur and esteemed figure in the real estate sector. He is the owner/founder behind Aspire Realty Group, a trendsetter in real estate sales. Owner of Casa Rentals, offering premium vacation rental properties and management, and 3rd Avenue Investments, where he capitalizes on strategic downtown real estate investments and development. His achievements have garnered significant recognition, making him a respected voice in Alaska’s business community and a valued panelist for his insights into entrepreneurship, real estate, and the impact of artificial intelligence on helping business growth. He recently spoke on a panel on the Anchorage Chamber’s “Make it Monday” panel on AI and ChatGPT use.
Jacqueline Summers is the Executive Director and co-founder of Health TIE, a healthcare innovation hub that connects Alaska health and human service organizations with innovative entrepreneurial partners. Health TIE brings change-makers together, highlights innovation, and initiates and coordinates pilot projects to directly address Alaskan healthcare challenges.
Along with managing Health TIE, Jacqueline owns Paxaro Solutions, a business providing workshops, project development, grant research, and grant writing services and is also an active member of the Alaskan startup and entrepreneurship ecosystems. Jacqueline has a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from the University of Colorado, Boulder and a Master of Adult Education from the University of Alaska Anchorage.
Jacqueline lives in Anchorage, Alaska, plays in the outdoors as much as she can, and is the mother of Malin and Shay Shumaker.
Jacqueline Summers is the Executive Director and co-founder of Health TIE, a healthcare innovation hub that connects Alaska health and human service organizations with innovative entrepreneurial partners. Health TIE brings change-makers together, highlights innovation, and initiates and coordinates pilot projects to directly address Alaskan healthcare challenges.
Along with managing Health TIE, Jacqueline owns Paxaro Solutions, a business providing workshops, project development, grant research, and grant writing services and is also an active member of the Alaskan startup and entrepreneurship ecosystems. Jacqueline has a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from the University of Colorado, Boulder and a Master of Adult Education from the University of Alaska Anchorage.
Jacqueline lives in Anchorage, Alaska, plays in the outdoors as much as she can, and is the mother of Malin and Shay Shumaker.
Melanie Lucas-Conwell currently holds the position of Director at the Municipality of Anchorage, overseeing the 49th State Angel Fund and the C-PACER clean energy financing program. Melanie has a diverse professional background, including seven years at Google, and she holds an M.B.A. from the Presidio Graduate School. She serves as Honorary Squadron Commander for the Air National Guard’s 176th Wing and on the boards of Health TIE and Alaska World Affairs Council.
Melanie Lucas-Conwell currently holds the position of Director at the Municipality of Anchorage, overseeing the 49th State Angel Fund and the C-PACER clean energy financing program. Melanie has a diverse professional background, including seven years at Google, and she holds an M.B.A. from the Presidio Graduate School. She serves as Honorary Squadron Commander for the Air National Guard’s 176th Wing and on the boards of Health TIE and Alaska World Affairs Council.
Brendan is an innovation leader with a rich background in mathematics, programming, and machine learning, particularly in the realm of civic technology and open data. As the first Chief Innovation Officer for Anchorage and co-captain of Code for Anchorage, he has spearheaded initiatives to leverage technology for government improvement, including directing a Bloomberg Philanthropy-funded innovation team. Brendan has most recently been exploring custom GPTs leveraging government open data and policy. Brendan's technical expertise extends to software development, process optimization, and AI research, evidenced by his contribution to 5 computer chip patents. Brendan’s most recent patent is from AI research in Mars Rover image compression leveraging Genetic Algorithms at the University of Alaska, Anchorage collaborating with NASA JPL. Beyond his professional achievements, Brendan enjoys DJing at local events and unusual outdoor locations.
Brendan is an innovation leader with a rich background in mathematics, programming, and machine learning, particularly in the realm of civic technology and open data. As the first Chief Innovation Officer for Anchorage and co-captain of Code for Anchorage, he has spearheaded initiatives to leverage technology for government improvement, including directing a Bloomberg Philanthropy-funded innovation team. Brendan has most recently been exploring custom GPTs leveraging government open data and policy. Brendan's technical expertise extends to software development, process optimization, and AI research, evidenced by his contribution to 5 computer chip patents. Brendan’s most recent patent is from AI research in Mars Rover image compression leveraging Genetic Algorithms at the University of Alaska, Anchorage collaborating with NASA JPL. Beyond his professional achievements, Brendan enjoys DJing at local events and unusual outdoor locations.
Michelle is Managing Principal of the Alaska operations for RIM Architects and has over 15 years of experience in the field of architecture with projects including commercial office buildings, major renovations, and remote Alaska residential projects. Through her strength as a creative problem solver, Michelle excels in managing building renovations and the construction complexities involved with integrating new design into existing conditions. In recent years, Michelle and her team has embraced the use of various AI technologies as tools to enhance the architectural business.
Michelle is Managing Principal of the Alaska operations for RIM Architects and has over 15 years of experience in the field of architecture with projects including commercial office buildings, major renovations, and remote Alaska residential projects. Through her strength as a creative problem solver, Michelle excels in managing building renovations and the construction complexities involved with integrating new design into existing conditions. In recent years, Michelle and her team has embraced the use of various AI technologies as tools to enhance the architectural business.
Dante Medema is the author of The Truth Project and Message Not Found. The Truth Project was Indies Introduce Title as well as an Indie Next Pick and was nominated for the YALSA Quick Pick for reluctant readers in 2021. A former board member for the Alaska Writers Guild, Dante remains active in her writing community. She’s presented on numerous subjects at The Alaska Writers Conference, sat as the Writer in Residence at Alaska Pacific University, and has participated in several mentorship programs. Passionate about helping other authors reach their goals, she shares her journey across her social media platforms. Dante lives in Anchorage, Alaska with her husband, four daughters, two pups, and a room full of alien memorabilia—and books, of course. When she’s not writing, she dabbles in baking, cake decorating, and reading up on enneagram personality types.
Dante Medema is the author of The Truth Project and Message Not Found. The Truth Project was Indies Introduce Title as well as an Indie Next Pick and was nominated for the YALSA Quick Pick for reluctant readers in 2021. A former board member for the Alaska Writers Guild, Dante remains active in her writing community. She’s presented on numerous subjects at The Alaska Writers Conference, sat as the Writer in Residence at Alaska Pacific University, and has participated in several mentorship programs. Passionate about helping other authors reach their goals, she shares her journey across her social media platforms. Dante lives in Anchorage, Alaska with her husband, four daughters, two pups, and a room full of alien memorabilia—and books, of course. When she’s not writing, she dabbles in baking, cake decorating, and reading up on enneagram personality types.
Meredith Noble is one of Alaska’s best-kept secret success stories for startup entrepreneurs. She co-founded Learn Grant Writing, a 7-figure online membership for those building a career in grant writing and is leading AI innovation for grant writers. Her book, How to Write a Grant: Become a Grant Writing Unicorn, is a bestseller for nonprofit fundraising and grants. Her expertise has been featured in NASDAQ, Forbes, Business Insider, and other top publications. When not being Chief Grant Writing Unicorn, Meredith can now be found adventuring with her family or reading.
Meredith Noble is one of Alaska’s best-kept secret success stories for startup entrepreneurs. She co-founded Learn Grant Writing, a 7-figure online membership for those building a career in grant writing and is leading AI innovation for grant writers. Her book, How to Write a Grant: Become a Grant Writing Unicorn, is a bestseller for nonprofit fundraising and grants. Her expertise has been featured in NASDAQ, Forbes, Business Insider, and other top publications. When not being Chief Grant Writing Unicorn, Meredith can now be found adventuring with her family or reading.
Erin is an Anchorage-based graphic designer with more than 20 years of experience designing comprehensive brand identity systems for broad range of clients.
She moved from the midwest to Anchorage in 2001. Her solo practice has grown into an award-winning brand strategy & design studio, whose work has been recognized locally and nationally. Her multi-disciplinary approach is focused on working closely with clients to produce finely crafted brand experiences - from logo systems to websites to print collateral, and even interior spaces - her work concentrates on connecting businesses with their perfect audience by shaping the visual identity of their brand.
A founding member and former president of AIGA in Alaska, Erin actively contributes to design education and community leadership. Recognized in 2019 as a “Designer to Watch” by GDUSA, she serves on multiple boards and committees, including the Alaska Design Forum and AIGA’s National Chapter Advisory Council.
Erin is an Anchorage-based graphic designer with more than 20 years of experience designing comprehensive brand identity systems for broad range of clients.
She moved from the midwest to Anchorage in 2001. Her solo practice has grown into an award-winning brand strategy & design studio, whose work has been recognized locally and nationally. Her multi-disciplinary approach is focused on working closely with clients to produce finely crafted brand experiences - from logo systems to websites to print collateral, and even interior spaces - her work concentrates on connecting businesses with their perfect audience by shaping the visual identity of their brand.
A founding member and former president of AIGA in Alaska, Erin actively contributes to design education and community leadership. Recognized in 2019 as a “Designer to Watch” by GDUSA, she serves on multiple boards and committees, including the Alaska Design Forum and AIGA’s National Chapter Advisory Council.
John-Henry Heckendorn is a founding partner at Ship Creek Group, an Alaska-based project management and political communications firm. John-Henry has previously served as Policy Director to independent Alaska Governor Bill Walker, Aide to Airbnb co-founder and CEO Brian Chesky, and deckhand on the F/V Seabreeze, a rusty but trusty Bristol Bay gillnetter. John-Henry's primary focus over the last decade has been Alaska political campaigns, running his first legislative campaign in 2012 and since working on over 100 Alaska campaigns and initiatives. In particular, the team at Ship Creek Group has worked with Republicans, independents, and Democrats to support four cycles of bipartisan legislative coalitions in Alaska, helped design and pass Alaska's groundbreaking top-4 RCV open primary election system and helped launch and run the 2022 campaign for Congresswoman Mary Peltola.
John-Henry Heckendorn is a founding partner at Ship Creek Group, an Alaska-based project management and political communications firm. John-Henry has previously served as Policy Director to independent Alaska Governor Bill Walker, Aide to Airbnb co-founder and CEO Brian Chesky, and deckhand on the F/V Seabreeze, a rusty but trusty Bristol Bay gillnetter. John-Henry's primary focus over the last decade has been Alaska political campaigns, running his first legislative campaign in 2012 and since working on over 100 Alaska campaigns and initiatives. In particular, the team at Ship Creek Group has worked with Republicans, independents, and Democrats to support four cycles of bipartisan legislative coalitions in Alaska, helped design and pass Alaska's groundbreaking top-4 RCV open primary election system and helped launch and run the 2022 campaign for Congresswoman Mary Peltola.
Dayne Broderson is a computer and information research scientist and program manager. He is the project director of two capacity-building programs at ACEP: the Alaska Regional Collaboration for Technology Innovation and Commercialization (ARCTIC) program and the Modeling of Converter Dominated Power System (CDPS) project. He is on the Teaching Through Technology (T3) alliance leadership team and is the chief technologist for the UAF Alaska T3 program.
Broderson holds a B.S. in computer science from UAF. With 20 years of experience in research and operational IT & Data Systems for academic, federal, state and local government organizations, he has performed general and technical management, program development, and data and IT systems development at UAF.
Dayne Broderson is a computer and information research scientist and program manager. He is the project director of two capacity-building programs at ACEP: the Alaska Regional Collaboration for Technology Innovation and Commercialization (ARCTIC) program and the Modeling of Converter Dominated Power System (CDPS) project. He is on the Teaching Through Technology (T3) alliance leadership team and is the chief technologist for the UAF Alaska T3 program.
Broderson holds a B.S. in computer science from UAF. With 20 years of experience in research and operational IT & Data Systems for academic, federal, state and local government organizations, he has performed general and technical management, program development, and data and IT systems development at UAF.
Dr. Justin Ainsworth is a seasoned educator with a passion for academic excellence and equitable education. With a career spanning various roles in public education, including associate superintendent, principal, assistant principal, and classroom teacher, Dr. Ainsworth brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his work. His career mantra, "The students who need the most, deserve the best," underscores his commitment to ensuring all students have access to high-quality education.
As a results-driven senior-level education leader, Dr. Ainsworth is known for his strategic thinking, visionary leadership, and energetic approach to driving student outcomes. He believes in the power of communication, innovation, and team building to accelerate access for all students. Dr. Ainsworth practices a management style that fosters inclusivity and encourages idea-sharing, both locally and nationally, contributing to meaningful conversations in the education sector.
Dr. Ainsworth's executive profile showcases his diverse skill set, including expertise in K-12 math articulation, educational technology initiatives, college and career readiness, career and technical education and aligning resources and programs with student needs. He excels in areas such as building teams, systems coherence and alignment, data analytics, and leveraging these strengths to propel schools toward higher levels of achievement.
Dr. Justin Ainsworth embodies the belief that "The smartest person in the room, is the room." With this mantra at the core of his career philosophy, he recognizes the value of collaboration, inclusivity, and diverse perspectives in driving educational excellence. Dr. Ainsworth understands that fostering an environment where every voice is heard and respected leads to better outcomes for students. By leveraging the collective intelligence and expertise of his teams, he works tirelessly to ensure that all students receive the support and resources they need to succeed. This commitment to harnessing the collective wisdom of the community underscores Dr. Ainsworth's dedication to building strong teams, engaging stakeholders, and accelerating access and equity for all students.
Dr. Justin Ainsworth is a seasoned educator with a passion for academic excellence and equitable education. With a career spanning various roles in public education, including associate superintendent, principal, assistant principal, and classroom teacher, Dr. Ainsworth brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his work. His career mantra, "The students who need the most, deserve the best," underscores his commitment to ensuring all students have access to high-quality education.
As a results-driven senior-level education leader, Dr. Ainsworth is known for his strategic thinking, visionary leadership, and energetic approach to driving student outcomes. He believes in the power of communication, innovation, and team building to accelerate access for all students. Dr. Ainsworth practices a management style that fosters inclusivity and encourages idea-sharing, both locally and nationally, contributing to meaningful conversations in the education sector.
Dr. Ainsworth's executive profile showcases his diverse skill set, including expertise in K-12 math articulation, educational technology initiatives, college and career readiness, career and technical education and aligning resources and programs with student needs. He excels in areas such as building teams, systems coherence and alignment, data analytics, and leveraging these strengths to propel schools toward higher levels of achievement.
Dr. Justin Ainsworth embodies the belief that "The smartest person in the room, is the room." With this mantra at the core of his career philosophy, he recognizes the value of collaboration, inclusivity, and diverse perspectives in driving educational excellence. Dr. Ainsworth understands that fostering an environment where every voice is heard and respected leads to better outcomes for students. By leveraging the collective intelligence and expertise of his teams, he works tirelessly to ensure that all students receive the support and resources they need to succeed. This commitment to harnessing the collective wisdom of the community underscores Dr. Ainsworth's dedication to building strong teams, engaging stakeholders, and accelerating access and equity for all students.
Andrew Halcro is a past executive director of the Anchorage Community Development Authority. He is a former state representative and past president of the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce.
Andrew Halcro is a past executive director of the Anchorage Community Development Authority. He is a former state representative and past president of the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce.
Ali currently serves as the Program Administrator for iTech Online Learning at the Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District, where he's pioneering the integration of existing and custom AI models to support educators. His work emphasizes professional learning, project management, and flexible course solutions for students in Mat-Su. Ali was pivotal in developing the MSBSD strategic technology plan, mitigating learning interruptions through the COVID-19 Pandemic, and providing a framework for remote learning during times of inclement weather.
Ali has contributed to drafting policy recommendations on the staff and student use of AI in the district, advocating for AI as a tool that, when applied thoughtfully, can profoundly impact education. His involvement with ASTE and ISTE, along with certifications from Canvas and his role as an Asana Ambassador, underscores his leadership in educational technology and policy. Ali's insights into AI's practical applications and his commitment to ethical technology use in education will be a highlight at the SBDC summit, offering a blueprint for responsibly integrating AI into educational frameworks.
Ali currently serves as the Program Administrator for iTech Online Learning at the Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District, where he's pioneering the integration of existing and custom AI models to support educators. His work emphasizes professional learning, project management, and flexible course solutions for students in Mat-Su. Ali was pivotal in developing the MSBSD strategic technology plan, mitigating learning interruptions through the COVID-19 Pandemic, and providing a framework for remote learning during times of inclement weather.
Ali has contributed to drafting policy recommendations on the staff and student use of AI in the district, advocating for AI as a tool that, when applied thoughtfully, can profoundly impact education. His involvement with ASTE and ISTE, along with certifications from Canvas and his role as an Asana Ambassador, underscores his leadership in educational technology and policy. Ali's insights into AI's practical applications and his commitment to ethical technology use in education will be a highlight at the SBDC summit, offering a blueprint for responsibly integrating AI into educational frameworks.
Mike Jones is an applied microeconomist in the Institute of Social and Economic Research (ISER) at UAA. In addition to teaching statistics, regression analysis, and introductory microeconomics, Mike studies how innovative technologies are deployed in shared natural and commercial spaces. His current research focuses on the food and transportation sectors, particularly how aviation infrastructure impacts rural Alaskan food security
Mike Jones is an applied microeconomist in the Institute of Social and Economic Research (ISER) at UAA. In addition to teaching statistics, regression analysis, and introductory microeconomics, Mike studies how innovative technologies are deployed in shared natural and commercial spaces. His current research focuses on the food and transportation sectors, particularly how aviation infrastructure impacts rural Alaskan food security
Peter House is the Founder & CEO of Deeptree, Inc. Peter has been working with technology since college. In his cybersecurity work, Peter has leveraged machine learning and AI for over five years in his professional practice
Peter House is the Founder & CEO of Deeptree, Inc. Peter has been working with technology since college. In his cybersecurity work, Peter has leveraged machine learning and AI for over five years in his professional practice
Prior to his current position with OIT, Bill worked as an IT consultant, held Chief Information Officer positions with the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities and the Montana Department of Natural Resources & Conservation, and was Director of Technology Services for Metropolitan Community College of Kansas City. He has worked in software development, database administration, and sysadmin roles, including with Statewide ITS. Before entering the IT field, Bill owned and operated a commercial air charter and maintenance service and spent several years developing software to model waterfowl population dynamics. He earned his MS in Project Management at the University of Alaska Anchorage and BS in Zoology with a Mathematics minor from the University of Florida.
Outside of work, Bill enjoys outdoor activities, including hiking, flying, and motorcycling. You can often find him on the trails with his Shar-Pei or at home turning wrenches while watching his Maine Coon stalk mosquitoes.
Prior to his current position with OIT, Bill worked as an IT consultant, held Chief Information Officer positions with the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities and the Montana Department of Natural Resources & Conservation, and was Director of Technology Services for Metropolitan Community College of Kansas City. He has worked in software development, database administration, and sysadmin roles, including with Statewide ITS. Before entering the IT field, Bill owned and operated a commercial air charter and maintenance service and spent several years developing software to model waterfowl population dynamics. He earned his MS in Project Management at the University of Alaska Anchorage and BS in Zoology with a Mathematics minor from the University of Florida.
Outside of work, Bill enjoys outdoor activities, including hiking, flying, and motorcycling. You can often find him on the trails with his Shar-Pei or at home turning wrenches while watching his Maine Coon stalk mosquitoes.
Dr. Helena S. Wisniewski is the first appointed Marion Porter Chair of Business Education. She is a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors (NAI) in recognition of creating and facilitating inventions that have a tangible impact on society, improving the quality of life, and contributing to economic development. She has extensive executive and leadership experience in industry, government, academia, and service on public and private boards of directors. She is a technological entrepreneur who has launched 12 startup companies across diverse technology areas.
Wisniewski directed corporate-wide technology innovations as a Corporate Director at the Lockheed Corporation and vice president of Titan Corporation and ANSER. As CEO/Founder of Aurora Biometrics, she built an international business and sold the company. At the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), she identified and directed many breakthroughs in science, mathematics, engineering and pioneered advances in AI as Manager of the Applied and Computational Mathematics Program she created.
Before DARPA, she served at the CIA. As Vice Provost for Research and Dean of the Graduate School at UAA, she led and grew the university's research enterprise and commercialization infrastructure, dramatically increased the number of patents, established the Patent Wall of Fame, and launched its first startups. She created the Arctic Domain Awareness Center (ADAC) to develop and transition technologies to improve crisis response capabilities in the Arctic and as the Founding Director, led the effort to make it the first DHS Center of Excellence in Alaska.
Before UAA, Wisniewski was the Vice President for Research and Enterprise Development at Stevens Institute of Technology; she tripled research revenues, launched nine startups, and sold two. She is currently the Chair of the Management, Marketing, Logistics, and Business Analytics Department and Professor of Entrepreneurship in CBPP. She established the first Alaska Chapter of the National Academy of Inventors, successfully organized the CBPP Business Plan Competitions, and developed five certificates. She is spearheading AI initiatives. She developed and teaches the course AI with Business Applications, created the AI Webinar Series, and established the Data Science and AI Lab in collaboration with the College of Engineering.
She was featured in the 25th Anniversary Edition of IEEE Women in Engineering as a “Prolific Innovator” and was the IBM Distinguished Speaker for their webinar series broadcast worldwide – she presented “The Convergence of Emerging Technologies with AI.” Also, she was appointed Special Editor of the new journal AI Education Journal of NAI and has a contract with World Scientific to write her book “Global Supply Chain Management with Emerging Technologies.” Among her awards are the CBPP Innovator Award 2021-22, CBPP Graduate Teacher of the Year 2020-21, Vocational Service Award from Anchorage International Rotary Club, Paul Harris Fellow, the 2001 Women in Technology Award for Entrepreneurship, Award of Honor in Recognition of Extraordinary Leadership, and Management from Lockheed, Special Recognition Award from DARPA, a Special Achievement Award from the CIA.
Dr. Wisniewski provided testimony on emerging technologies to the US Senate and Alaska state legislators, and the Governor appointed her to serve on the New Industry Development Team. She serves on the Boards of the Anchorage International Rotary Club and the FBI Citizens Academy Alumni Association.
Dr. Helena S. Wisniewski is the first appointed Marion Porter Chair of Business Education. She is a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors (NAI) in recognition of creating and facilitating inventions that have a tangible impact on society, improving the quality of life, and contributing to economic development. She has extensive executive and leadership experience in industry, government, academia, and service on public and private boards of directors. She is a technological entrepreneur who has launched 12 startup companies across diverse technology areas.
Wisniewski directed corporate-wide technology innovations as a Corporate Director at the Lockheed Corporation and vice president of Titan Corporation and ANSER. As CEO/Founder of Aurora Biometrics, she built an international business and sold the company. At the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), she identified and directed many breakthroughs in science, mathematics, engineering and pioneered advances in AI as Manager of the Applied and Computational Mathematics Program she created.
Before DARPA, she served at the CIA. As Vice Provost for Research and Dean of the Graduate School at UAA, she led and grew the university's research enterprise and commercialization infrastructure, dramatically increased the number of patents, established the Patent Wall of Fame, and launched its first startups. She created the Arctic Domain Awareness Center (ADAC) to develop and transition technologies to improve crisis response capabilities in the Arctic and as the Founding Director, led the effort to make it the first DHS Center of Excellence in Alaska.
Before UAA, Wisniewski was the Vice President for Research and Enterprise Development at Stevens Institute of Technology; she tripled research revenues, launched nine startups, and sold two. She is currently the Chair of the Management, Marketing, Logistics, and Business Analytics Department and Professor of Entrepreneurship in CBPP. She established the first Alaska Chapter of the National Academy of Inventors, successfully organized the CBPP Business Plan Competitions, and developed five certificates. She is spearheading AI initiatives. She developed and teaches the course AI with Business Applications, created the AI Webinar Series, and established the Data Science and AI Lab in collaboration with the College of Engineering.
She was featured in the 25th Anniversary Edition of IEEE Women in Engineering as a “Prolific Innovator” and was the IBM Distinguished Speaker for their webinar series broadcast worldwide – she presented “The Convergence of Emerging Technologies with AI.” Also, she was appointed Special Editor of the new journal AI Education Journal of NAI and has a contract with World Scientific to write her book “Global Supply Chain Management with Emerging Technologies.” Among her awards are the CBPP Innovator Award 2021-22, CBPP Graduate Teacher of the Year 2020-21, Vocational Service Award from Anchorage International Rotary Club, Paul Harris Fellow, the 2001 Women in Technology Award for Entrepreneurship, Award of Honor in Recognition of Extraordinary Leadership, and Management from Lockheed, Special Recognition Award from DARPA, a Special Achievement Award from the CIA.
Dr. Wisniewski provided testimony on emerging technologies to the US Senate and Alaska state legislators, and the Governor appointed her to serve on the New Industry Development Team. She serves on the Boards of the Anchorage International Rotary Club and the FBI Citizens Academy Alumni Association.
As an Entrepreneurship Education and Curriculum Specialist, Graham leverages his extensive experience in leadership development, strategic planning, and leading cross-functional teams to empower aspiring business leaders. Prior to joining UA CED, Graham served 20 years managing complex operations, technology, innovation projects, and logistics programs in the military. He is deeply skilled in developing resilient mindsets, decision-making under pressure, and fostering innovation in dynamic environments. Graham’s professional interests center on passing on entrepreneurial skills and resilient leadership strategies forged through adversity. He excels at designing experiential learning programs, workshops, and mentorship initiatives that equip entrepreneurs to navigate uncertainty. Graham holds an MBA in Information Systems and various certifications in process improvement, business process integration, human-centered design, and others.
As an Entrepreneurship Education and Curriculum Specialist, Graham leverages his extensive experience in leadership development, strategic planning, and leading cross-functional teams to empower aspiring business leaders. Prior to joining UA CED, Graham served 20 years managing complex operations, technology, innovation projects, and logistics programs in the military. He is deeply skilled in developing resilient mindsets, decision-making under pressure, and fostering innovation in dynamic environments. Graham’s professional interests center on passing on entrepreneurial skills and resilient leadership strategies forged through adversity. He excels at designing experiential learning programs, workshops, and mentorship initiatives that equip entrepreneurs to navigate uncertainty. Graham holds an MBA in Information Systems and various certifications in process improvement, business process integration, human-centered design, and others.
A novelist, screenwriter, and sometimes tundra poet, Don Rearden wrote the critically acclaimed The Raven's Gift , which made The Washington Post Notable List for Fiction, calling him “a master of the cliffhanger.” He co-authored the best-selling memoirs Never Quit and Warrior's Creed. A Professor at the University of Alaska Anchorage, his recent honors include Rasmuson Project Awards, a Contributions to Alaska Literacy Award, the Alaska Literary Prize for Fiction, and a finalist in Francis Ford Coppola’s 2022 Zoetrope Screenwriting Contest. He grew up in Bethel and the villages of Akiak and Kasigluk, and now lives outside of Anchorage in Bear Valley. His latest is a book of poetry, Without A Paddle.
A novelist, screenwriter, and sometimes tundra poet, Don Rearden wrote the critically acclaimed The Raven's Gift , which made The Washington Post Notable List for Fiction, calling him “a master of the cliffhanger.” He co-authored the best-selling memoirs Never Quit and Warrior's Creed. A Professor at the University of Alaska Anchorage, his recent honors include Rasmuson Project Awards, a Contributions to Alaska Literacy Award, the Alaska Literary Prize for Fiction, and a finalist in Francis Ford Coppola’s 2022 Zoetrope Screenwriting Contest. He grew up in Bethel and the villages of Akiak and Kasigluk, and now lives outside of Anchorage in Bear Valley. His latest is a book of poetry, Without A Paddle.
"Amber has an undergraduate degree in Communications and a Graduate Degree in Fine Arts. She has worked in every aspect of communication — from nonprofit messaging to corporate marketing and branding to political messaging strategy. She has been a key strategist in Alaska’s Congressional health care and climate change discussion as well as various statewide and local campaigns.
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"Amber has an undergraduate degree in Communications and a Graduate Degree in Fine Arts. She has worked in every aspect of communication — from nonprofit messaging to corporate marketing and branding to political messaging strategy. She has been a key strategist in Alaska’s Congressional health care and climate change discussion as well as various statewide and local campaigns.
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Adelyn Baxter is the audience engagement editor for KTOO Public Media in Juneau, overseeing much of the station's content and how it makes its way to listeners and viewers. She divides her time between Anchorage and Juneau and previously produced radio and television programs for Alaska Public Media. She's spent her entire career in public media, from national news programs and working with youth storytellers around the country to reporting in local and statewide newsrooms here in Alaska. In her free time she wrangles her chaotic pets and explores the state with her husband, Charlie.
Adelyn Baxter is the audience engagement editor for KTOO Public Media in Juneau, overseeing much of the station's content and how it makes its way to listeners and viewers. She divides her time between Anchorage and Juneau and previously produced radio and television programs for Alaska Public Media. She's spent her entire career in public media, from national news programs and working with youth storytellers around the country to reporting in local and statewide newsrooms here in Alaska. In her free time she wrangles her chaotic pets and explores the state with her husband, Charlie.
Cybersecurity Advisor (CSA) Troy Lofven has worked in a variety of technical capacities from incident and alert response to forensics and spent years developing and managing compliance assessment while working for the State of Alaska. This varied and aggregate experience provided a broad background that led to his current position as a CSA for Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) where he is able to help organizations across the state of Alaska, Region 10, and the United States advance their cybersecurity posture.
Cybersecurity Advisor (CSA) Troy Lofven has worked in a variety of technical capacities from incident and alert response to forensics and spent years developing and managing compliance assessment while working for the State of Alaska. This varied and aggregate experience provided a broad background that led to his current position as a CSA for Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) where he is able to help organizations across the state of Alaska, Region 10, and the United States advance their cybersecurity posture.
Fadil Limani is currently the Deputy Commissioner for the State of Alaska Department of Revenue (DOR). Fadil has been with DOR for over a year and has direct oversight of billions of dollars in tax revenues, including public financing and treasury management. In his capacity, Fadil is responsible for representing the State of Alaska before the world bond markets to assess the State’s creditworthiness, coupled with debt issuances and debt restructuring of the State and the Alaska Municipal Bond Bank Authority. Fadil serves as a board member on multiple organizations, including the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation, the Alaska Municipal Bond Bank Authority, and the State of Alaska Bond Committee.
Prior to his role with the State of Alaska, Fadil had his own Financial and Business Consulting firm where he provided financial expertise to several clients ranging from Municipal Governments, School Districts, and Alaska Native Corporations. Fadil contracted with the North Slope Borough School District where he served as the Chief Financial Officer for nearly 3 years. Prior to his consulting business, Fadil was the Deputy Director of Finance for the North Slope Borough (Borough) where he was employed for seven years. While at the Borough, he worked on all elements of finance including Financial Reporting, Borough’s Bond Sales, Debt Service, Property tax, managing the Borough’s Central Treasury Investments and the Permanent Fund Investments including the Borough’s Annual Financial Statement Audits and the Borough’s 12-year financial forecast.
Fadil started his professional career in Public Accounting working for one of the Big Four Accounting Firms (KPMG), where he worked for nearly five years as Senior Audit Associate. While at KPMG, Fadil audited a variety of clients and industries including several Alaska Native Regional Corporations, Health and Life Insurance, State and Local Government, School District, Banking, Fisheries, Mortgage Lending, Insurance and Benefit Plan engagements. During his time at KPMG, he also established an Endowment Fund with the University of Alaska, Anchorage for Accounting Majors through the KPMG Foundation and other UAA KPMG Alumni.
Fadil was born and raised in Kicevo, Macedonia prior to moving to Anchorage, Alaska with his family in 1996. He’s been in Alaska for nearly 28 years. In his spare time, Fadil enjoys spending quality time with his wife and three kids.
Fadil Limani is currently the Deputy Commissioner for the State of Alaska Department of Revenue (DOR). Fadil has been with DOR for over a year and has direct oversight of billions of dollars in tax revenues, including public financing and treasury management. In his capacity, Fadil is responsible for representing the State of Alaska before the world bond markets to assess the State’s creditworthiness, coupled with debt issuances and debt restructuring of the State and the Alaska Municipal Bond Bank Authority. Fadil serves as a board member on multiple organizations, including the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation, the Alaska Municipal Bond Bank Authority, and the State of Alaska Bond Committee.
Prior to his role with the State of Alaska, Fadil had his own Financial and Business Consulting firm where he provided financial expertise to several clients ranging from Municipal Governments, School Districts, and Alaska Native Corporations. Fadil contracted with the North Slope Borough School District where he served as the Chief Financial Officer for nearly 3 years. Prior to his consulting business, Fadil was the Deputy Director of Finance for the North Slope Borough (Borough) where he was employed for seven years. While at the Borough, he worked on all elements of finance including Financial Reporting, Borough’s Bond Sales, Debt Service, Property tax, managing the Borough’s Central Treasury Investments and the Permanent Fund Investments including the Borough’s Annual Financial Statement Audits and the Borough’s 12-year financial forecast.
Fadil started his professional career in Public Accounting working for one of the Big Four Accounting Firms (KPMG), where he worked for nearly five years as Senior Audit Associate. While at KPMG, Fadil audited a variety of clients and industries including several Alaska Native Regional Corporations, Health and Life Insurance, State and Local Government, School District, Banking, Fisheries, Mortgage Lending, Insurance and Benefit Plan engagements. During his time at KPMG, he also established an Endowment Fund with the University of Alaska, Anchorage for Accounting Majors through the KPMG Foundation and other UAA KPMG Alumni.
Fadil was born and raised in Kicevo, Macedonia prior to moving to Anchorage, Alaska with his family in 1996. He’s been in Alaska for nearly 28 years. In his spare time, Fadil enjoys spending quality time with his wife and three kids.
Raised in the Mat-Su Valley and living in Anchorage for most of his life, David’s career has been focused in the financial industry. With over 10 years of banking in branch operations along with several years as a Registered Investment Advisor Representative, David is currently in his 9th year as a Financial Examiner with the Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development’s Division of Banking and Securities. With his primary focus on the safety and soundness of Alaskan Chartered Financial institutions, David believes it is beneficial to understand the changes on the horizon and recognizes the need for adaptation within the regulatory role
Raised in the Mat-Su Valley and living in Anchorage for most of his life, David’s career has been focused in the financial industry. With over 10 years of banking in branch operations along with several years as a Registered Investment Advisor Representative, David is currently in his 9th year as a Financial Examiner with the Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development’s Division of Banking and Securities. With his primary focus on the safety and soundness of Alaskan Chartered Financial institutions, David believes it is beneficial to understand the changes on the horizon and recognizes the need for adaptation within the regulatory role
Nathaniel Herz has been a reporter in Alaska for nearly a decade, with stints at the Anchorage Daily News and Alaska Public Media. He now covers environment and natural resources, along with Alaska's government, in his newsletter, Northern Journal. Read it at northernjournal.com.
Nathaniel Herz has been a reporter in Alaska for nearly a decade, with stints at the Anchorage Daily News and Alaska Public Media. He now covers environment and natural resources, along with Alaska's government, in his newsletter, Northern Journal. Read it at northernjournal.com.
Science fiction author and co-founder of Airhounds, a beneficiary of SBDC's Phase 0 grant program. Airhounds' mission was to give individuals the tools they needed to understand and mitigate the risk of airborne diseases like Covid-19. Airhounds did not outlive the pandemic, but its failure gave Doug space to finish The Extrapolated Man, a science fiction novel currently being readied for publication, and write Our Lady of the Gyre, a short story that was just acquired by Analog Science Fiction & Fact. Doug graduated from MIT with a BS in Earth and Planetary Science. His favorite parts of that experience were building and flying x-ray telescopes, and being introduced to the craft of writing by award winning science fiction author Joe Haldeman. After MIT, Doug worked in hardware and software development, eventually returning home to Alaska to raise a family. He has worked for a variety of resource extraction companies, including a memorable two-year stint at Red Dog Mine, and was a senior IT manager at GCI, Alaska's premier telecom, prior to joining the pandemic's great resignation. You can read samples of his work at extrapolatedworlds.com.
Science fiction author and co-founder of Airhounds, a beneficiary of SBDC's Phase 0 grant program. Airhounds' mission was to give individuals the tools they needed to understand and mitigate the risk of airborne diseases like Covid-19. Airhounds did not outlive the pandemic, but its failure gave Doug space to finish The Extrapolated Man, a science fiction novel currently being readied for publication, and write Our Lady of the Gyre, a short story that was just acquired by Analog Science Fiction & Fact. Doug graduated from MIT with a BS in Earth and Planetary Science. His favorite parts of that experience were building and flying x-ray telescopes, and being introduced to the craft of writing by award winning science fiction author Joe Haldeman. After MIT, Doug worked in hardware and software development, eventually returning home to Alaska to raise a family. He has worked for a variety of resource extraction companies, including a memorable two-year stint at Red Dog Mine, and was a senior IT manager at GCI, Alaska's premier telecom, prior to joining the pandemic's great resignation. You can read samples of his work at extrapolatedworlds.com.
Nathan Shafer is a new media artist from Alaska specializing in augmented reality and digital humanities. He is one of the founding members of both the Meme-Rider Media Team, an art collective founded in 2000 designing early form internet memes, and Manifest.AR, the first international art collective making augmented reality works.
He was profiled by PBS Digital Studios as part of an online collaboration called The Future in 2014. Shafer’s geobased AR works have been displayed on every continent, are in several collections and have been featured in many international art shows and publications including NeMe Art Center, Gray Area, ISEA, Noxious Sector Projects, EPOCH Gallery, New Art City, and the Bunnell Street Art Center. He also contributed chapters to the first anthology of AR-based art making, Augmented Reality Art, published by Springer in 2014; followed by chapters in Augmented Reality Games II (2019); Augmented Reality in Education (2020); Augmented Reality in Tourism, Museums and Heritage Sites (2022); and most recently Artificial Intelligence and Augmented Reality (2023).
He received a Creative Capital award in 2020 for his Wintermoot project, a limited series of augmented reality comic books set in an alternate history Alaska. He is a co-founder of the art collective Łuk’ae Tse’ Taas and currently has an exhibition at the Anchorage Museum called Lines of Site: Comic Art and Storytelling in Alaska with fellow Łuk’ae Tse’ Taas artists Dimi Macheras and David Brame.
Nathan Shafer is a new media artist from Alaska specializing in augmented reality and digital humanities. He is one of the founding members of both the Meme-Rider Media Team, an art collective founded in 2000 designing early form internet memes, and Manifest.AR, the first international art collective making augmented reality works.
He was profiled by PBS Digital Studios as part of an online collaboration called The Future in 2014. Shafer’s geobased AR works have been displayed on every continent, are in several collections and have been featured in many international art shows and publications including NeMe Art Center, Gray Area, ISEA, Noxious Sector Projects, EPOCH Gallery, New Art City, and the Bunnell Street Art Center. He also contributed chapters to the first anthology of AR-based art making, Augmented Reality Art, published by Springer in 2014; followed by chapters in Augmented Reality Games II (2019); Augmented Reality in Education (2020); Augmented Reality in Tourism, Museums and Heritage Sites (2022); and most recently Artificial Intelligence and Augmented Reality (2023).
He received a Creative Capital award in 2020 for his Wintermoot project, a limited series of augmented reality comic books set in an alternate history Alaska. He is a co-founder of the art collective Łuk’ae Tse’ Taas and currently has an exhibition at the Anchorage Museum called Lines of Site: Comic Art and Storytelling in Alaska with fellow Łuk’ae Tse’ Taas artists Dimi Macheras and David Brame.
Paul is a well-known composer and has worked on films like Deep blue Sea (1999), I am Number Four (2011), Armageddon (1998), and many more.
Paul is a well-known composer and has worked on films like Deep blue Sea (1999), I am Number Four (2011), Armageddon (1998), and many more.
Dr. Kern McGinley has served as the King Tech and Alaska Middle College Principal for 5 years. Dr. McGinley’s 25-year education career spans school administration, general and special education, career and technical education (CTE), and sports coaching (rowing /crew at both high school and master's club levels). With proven success in improving academic excellence, student engagement, teacher performance, and overall learning outcomes, Dr. McGinley offers extensive experience in guiding faculty and staff in implementation of district and school priorities. Dr. McGinley specializes in career and technical education and postsecondary transitioning. A strong believer in collaboration and positive psychology in the workplace, Dr. McGinley regularly engages staff and students in dialogue to develop innovative ways to increase student connectedness and academic achievement. Before becoming an educator, Dr. McGinley spent six years learning chef skills cooking at several restaurants on the east coast.
Dr. Kern McGinley has served as the King Tech and Alaska Middle College Principal for 5 years. Dr. McGinley’s 25-year education career spans school administration, general and special education, career and technical education (CTE), and sports coaching (rowing /crew at both high school and master's club levels). With proven success in improving academic excellence, student engagement, teacher performance, and overall learning outcomes, Dr. McGinley offers extensive experience in guiding faculty and staff in implementation of district and school priorities. Dr. McGinley specializes in career and technical education and postsecondary transitioning. A strong believer in collaboration and positive psychology in the workplace, Dr. McGinley regularly engages staff and students in dialogue to develop innovative ways to increase student connectedness and academic achievement. Before becoming an educator, Dr. McGinley spent six years learning chef skills cooking at several restaurants on the east coast.
Brooke Hartman is an Alaskan mom and author of silly, serious, and sometimes strance books for kids. Her books have received starred reviews from Kirkus, Publisher’s Weekly, and School Library Journal; been selected titles for Alaska’s Battle of the Books, the Redbud Read-Aloud Award, and the Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards; and nominated for multiple best books of the year lists. This spring, she’ll release her seventh title, All Aboard the Alaska Train (Red Comet Press, March 2024), with several more fun books on the horizon. When she isn’t writing, you can find Brooke flying, fishing, and having fun with her family, enjoying all the magic life has to offer. Follow her adventures at www.BrookeAHartman.com or on social media @BrookesBooksAK.
Brooke Hartman is an Alaskan mom and author of silly, serious, and sometimes strance books for kids. Her books have received starred reviews from Kirkus, Publisher’s Weekly, and School Library Journal; been selected titles for Alaska’s Battle of the Books, the Redbud Read-Aloud Award, and the Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards; and nominated for multiple best books of the year lists. This spring, she’ll release her seventh title, All Aboard the Alaska Train (Red Comet Press, March 2024), with several more fun books on the horizon. When she isn’t writing, you can find Brooke flying, fishing, and having fun with her family, enjoying all the magic life has to offer. Follow her adventures at www.BrookeAHartman.com or on social media @BrookesBooksAK.
Tim has worked as a professional coach and talent consultant in private practice for the past 34 years. The Iñupiat word for him is "Isumataq" - "one who creates the atmosphere in which wisdom can emerge." Tim grew up in the Iñupiat community of Teller on the Bering Strait from eight years of age on and graduated from Nome-Beltz High School in Nome. He holds a Master in Public Policy from Harvard Kennedy School. He can be found at www.timpearson.net or kayaking in Prince William Sound and the Arctic.
Tim has worked as a professional coach and talent consultant in private practice for the past 34 years. The Iñupiat word for him is "Isumataq" - "one who creates the atmosphere in which wisdom can emerge." Tim grew up in the Iñupiat community of Teller on the Bering Strait from eight years of age on and graduated from Nome-Beltz High School in Nome. He holds a Master in Public Policy from Harvard Kennedy School. He can be found at www.timpearson.net or kayaking in Prince William Sound and the Arctic.
Joel is an Alaskan-born designer living in Anchorage. He graduated with a degree in Visual Communications from the Art Institute of Seattle. He has been working as a designer for the past 20+ years.
His Alaskan-themed apparel company, AK Clothing Company (formerly known as Claimjumper AK) recently opened a storefront in the Peterson Tower in downtown Anchorage. It is in a space called The Cove. The Cove is home to his art, apparel and accessories as well featuring other art works by varying local artists.
Joel creates visually appealing designs that immediately grab your attention with use of color and composition then subtly reveals his clever placement of Alaska shapes or Alaskan-themed elements. He wants you to like what you are looking at first then hopefully you realize it contains the Alaskan influences.
About 16 months ago Joel started experimenting with an ai program called Midjourney which requires the user to input particular words (prompts) to generate his desired imagery. Many of his social media posts containing the ai images have come under attack and heavy scrutiny by other artists as well as those who simply regurgitate falsehoods about ai. As a designer he has a unique perspective on ai usage. Paired with his knowledge of ai, he is able to defend his use of ai against the stigma that seems to come with it.
“AI is a useful tool and it certainly isn’t going anywhere. It will eventually be integrated into everyday life, just like the internet. Better to get on board and get ahead of it or you will get left behind. Most every new technology comes under fire when they start to become mainstream. Automobiles, cameras, computers, trains, and wi-fi, were all initially feared and we all know how those worked out for society.”
You can visit Joel's website at http://akclothingcompany.com
Joel is an Alaskan-born designer living in Anchorage. He graduated with a degree in Visual Communications from the Art Institute of Seattle. He has been working as a designer for the past 20+ years.
His Alaskan-themed apparel company, AK Clothing Company (formerly known as Claimjumper AK) recently opened a storefront in the Peterson Tower in downtown Anchorage. It is in a space called The Cove. The Cove is home to his art, apparel and accessories as well featuring other art works by varying local artists.
Joel creates visually appealing designs that immediately grab your attention with use of color and composition then subtly reveals his clever placement of Alaska shapes or Alaskan-themed elements. He wants you to like what you are looking at first then hopefully you realize it contains the Alaskan influences.
About 16 months ago Joel started experimenting with an ai program called Midjourney which requires the user to input particular words (prompts) to generate his desired imagery. Many of his social media posts containing the ai images have come under attack and heavy scrutiny by other artists as well as those who simply regurgitate falsehoods about ai. As a designer he has a unique perspective on ai usage. Paired with his knowledge of ai, he is able to defend his use of ai against the stigma that seems to come with it.
“AI is a useful tool and it certainly isn’t going anywhere. It will eventually be integrated into everyday life, just like the internet. Better to get on board and get ahead of it or you will get left behind. Most every new technology comes under fire when they start to become mainstream. Automobiles, cameras, computers, trains, and wi-fi, were all initially feared and we all know how those worked out for society.”
You can visit Joel's website at http://akclothingcompany.com
With more than 20 combined years of experience in theatre and voiceover, Heather has had the privilege of voicing a wide range of characters. Whether it’s bringing life to stories through audiobook narration (over 100 books and counting), or playing villains in popular video games like the Five Nights at Freddy’s series, she brings a unique perspective to all of her endeavors.
With more than 20 combined years of experience in theatre and voiceover, Heather has had the privilege of voicing a wide range of characters. Whether it’s bringing life to stories through audiobook narration (over 100 books and counting), or playing villains in popular video games like the Five Nights at Freddy’s series, she brings a unique perspective to all of her endeavors.
Shane is the founding Artistic Director of TBA Theatre. He holds a Bachelors Degree from UAA and a Masters from Wichita State University. As a playwright his award-winning works have been performed in all fifty states and around the world. As a performer he has toured nationally and internationally including performing at the Olympics Arts Festival in Sydney Australia and at The Edinburgh Festival Fringe in Scotland. He is the recipient or two Patricia Neil acting awards, the Harper Service Award, and a UAA Alumnus of Distinction Award. He lives with his charming wife Erin and their mail order dog Cookie.
Shane is the founding Artistic Director of TBA Theatre. He holds a Bachelors Degree from UAA and a Masters from Wichita State University. As a playwright his award-winning works have been performed in all fifty states and around the world. As a performer he has toured nationally and internationally including performing at the Olympics Arts Festival in Sydney Australia and at The Edinburgh Festival Fringe in Scotland. He is the recipient or two Patricia Neil acting awards, the Harper Service Award, and a UAA Alumnus of Distinction Award. He lives with his charming wife Erin and their mail order dog Cookie.
Charlotte Bittner is a sophomore in West Anchorage High School’s Highly Gifted program. She is a ROTC Cadet Master Sergeant and a Presiding Judge for Anchorage Youth Court, where she received the president’s volunteer service award for her volunteer hours. As a member of the West High Riflery team, Charlotte was the highest-ranked shooter in the state in 2023, ranked 2nd in regionals, and 12th nationwide for the JROTC Riflery competition. She loves science and math and hopes to attend MIT, where she wants to study biomedical engineering. Charlotte is a co-founder of West’s JROTC robotics team.
Charlotte Bittner is a sophomore in West Anchorage High School’s Highly Gifted program. She is a ROTC Cadet Master Sergeant and a Presiding Judge for Anchorage Youth Court, where she received the president’s volunteer service award for her volunteer hours. As a member of the West High Riflery team, Charlotte was the highest-ranked shooter in the state in 2023, ranked 2nd in regionals, and 12th nationwide for the JROTC Riflery competition. She loves science and math and hopes to attend MIT, where she wants to study biomedical engineering. Charlotte is a co-founder of West’s JROTC robotics team.
As State Director of the Alaska SBDC, Jon Bittner oversees seven regional centers to ensure that the Alaska SBDC provides accessible, high-quality business assistance services to individuals and existing businesses. In his role, he provides program management, advocacy, and fundraising in addition to serving as the Lead Investigator for the various grant programs that are run through Alaska SBDC. He formerly served as vice president of Anchorage Economic Development Center (AEDC). Jon also served as the Deputy Commissioner for the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development.
As State Director of the Alaska SBDC, Jon Bittner oversees seven regional centers to ensure that the Alaska SBDC provides accessible, high-quality business assistance services to individuals and existing businesses. In his role, he provides program management, advocacy, and fundraising in addition to serving as the Lead Investigator for the various grant programs that are run through Alaska SBDC. He formerly served as vice president of Anchorage Economic Development Center (AEDC). Jon also served as the Deputy Commissioner for the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development.
With over 17-years of Alaska SBDC experience under her belt, Kendra Conroy is an integral leader of the Alaska SBDC team. As the former SBDC Operations Manager and current Associate State Director, she oversees the day-to-day functions of the Executive Office, serves as the HR liaison, and maintains Alaska SBDC policies and procedures. Kendra also manages the Alaska SBDC’s vast client database and ensures proper and timely reporting of all Alaska SBDC metrics.
With over 17-years of Alaska SBDC experience under her belt, Kendra Conroy is an integral leader of the Alaska SBDC team. As the former SBDC Operations Manager and current Associate State Director, she oversees the day-to-day functions of the Executive Office, serves as the HR liaison, and maintains Alaska SBDC policies and procedures. Kendra also manages the Alaska SBDC’s vast client database and ensures proper and timely reporting of all Alaska SBDC metrics.
Ian Grant has experience as a small business owner in the restaurant industry. He specializes in assisting his clients with their business plans, financial projections, and cash-flow management. During Ian’s tenure at AK SBDC, he has assisted clients in a wide range of services including buying and selling a business, management, and strategic planning. Ian holds a Bachelor of Arts in Art from the University of Alaska – Southeast.
Ian Grant has experience as a small business owner in the restaurant industry. He specializes in assisting his clients with their business plans, financial projections, and cash-flow management. During Ian’s tenure at AK SBDC, he has assisted clients in a wide range of services including buying and selling a business, management, and strategic planning. Ian holds a Bachelor of Arts in Art from the University of Alaska – Southeast.
Carlos has 28+ years of experience as a business developer/owner in a variety of industries, including industrial and security printing, manufacturing, ERP software consulting, OSHA compliance training, and financial instruments consulting. For over 12 years, he has worked internationally in countries such as Argentina, Chile, Honduras, Mexico, and France.
Carlos has been responsible for developing several successful business divisions for small and mid-size companies in a variety of industries. He has a passion for helping small businesses grow by searching and exploiting hidden competitive advantages.
Carlos holds a Bachelor of Business Administration – Finance and a Master of Business Administration with an emphasis on entrepreneurship from the University of Alaska Anchorage. He is bilingual in Spanish and the current president of the Anchorage Midtown Rotary Club.
Carlos has 28+ years of experience as a business developer/owner in a variety of industries, including industrial and security printing, manufacturing, ERP software consulting, OSHA compliance training, and financial instruments consulting. For over 12 years, he has worked internationally in countries such as Argentina, Chile, Honduras, Mexico, and France.
Carlos has been responsible for developing several successful business divisions for small and mid-size companies in a variety of industries. He has a passion for helping small businesses grow by searching and exploiting hidden competitive advantages.
Carlos holds a Bachelor of Business Administration – Finance and a Master of Business Administration with an emphasis on entrepreneurship from the University of Alaska Anchorage. He is bilingual in Spanish and the current president of the Anchorage Midtown Rotary Club.
Geoff Wright is a seasoned executive and information technology consultant with deep roots in the Alaska business community. Early in his career, Geoff worked for organizations, including the Institute of Social & Economic Research (ISER), Internet Alaska, and Integrity Solutions, doing a combination of software development and systems administration. In 2002, he started working at Pango Technology, where he served as a managing partner until 2023. During that time, he helped transform Pango from a boutique website design shop to one of Alaska’s premier information technology consulting firms.
Geoff has always been a passionate local volunteer and advocate for Alaska. He recently sold his share of Pango to its remaining partners so that he could dedicate his professional time and energy to building a better, stronger, and more forward-thinking community. As part of that effort, Geoff is now working with the Alaska Small Business Development Center (SBDC), helping entrepreneurs across the state prepare for federal funding.
In his spare time, Geoff enjoys mountain running, biking, sailboat racing, reading science fiction, woodworking, open-source software development, and spending time with his family. He’s also a Site Director for NSAA’s Junior Nordic program, where he manages a team of coaches who teach kids aged 6–14 how to cross-country ski.
Geoff Wright is a seasoned executive and information technology consultant with deep roots in the Alaska business community. Early in his career, Geoff worked for organizations, including the Institute of Social & Economic Research (ISER), Internet Alaska, and Integrity Solutions, doing a combination of software development and systems administration. In 2002, he started working at Pango Technology, where he served as a managing partner until 2023. During that time, he helped transform Pango from a boutique website design shop to one of Alaska’s premier information technology consulting firms.
Geoff has always been a passionate local volunteer and advocate for Alaska. He recently sold his share of Pango to its remaining partners so that he could dedicate his professional time and energy to building a better, stronger, and more forward-thinking community. As part of that effort, Geoff is now working with the Alaska Small Business Development Center (SBDC), helping entrepreneurs across the state prepare for federal funding.
In his spare time, Geoff enjoys mountain running, biking, sailboat racing, reading science fiction, woodworking, open-source software development, and spending time with his family. He’s also a Site Director for NSAA’s Junior Nordic program, where he manages a team of coaches who teach kids aged 6–14 how to cross-country ski.
Tyler Arnold assists Alaskan small businesses and entrepreneurs in developing products and services that support government research efforts. Tyler brings a decade of entrepreneurial experience as a startup founder to the Alaska SBDC and its clients seeking to utilize federal research and development funding. Born and raised in Alaska, Tyler’s experience in starting privately funded technology companies spans four countries and multiple U.S. cities, combining a passion for local business with a global mindset. Tyler was previously awarded Alaska SBA Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 2011.
Tyler Arnold assists Alaskan small businesses and entrepreneurs in developing products and services that support government research efforts. Tyler brings a decade of entrepreneurial experience as a startup founder to the Alaska SBDC and its clients seeking to utilize federal research and development funding. Born and raised in Alaska, Tyler’s experience in starting privately funded technology companies spans four countries and multiple U.S. cities, combining a passion for local business with a global mindset. Tyler was previously awarded Alaska SBA Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 2011.
In her role as Communication Manager, Harley infuses passion and purpose into new media management, intentional outreach, and engaging communication. With over a decade of experience at the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) and more than six years dedicated to the Alaska SBDC, she enjoys showcasing the triumphs of the Alaska SBDC’s clients and program initiatives, ensuring their stories resonate with a wide-ranging, diverse, and engaged statewide audience. Coupled with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from UAA and a Master of Arts in Communication, specializing in New Media and Marketing from Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), she enjoys navigating the ever-evolving digital landscape.navigating
In her role as Communication Manager, Harley infuses passion and purpose into new media management, intentional outreach, and engaging communication. With over a decade of experience at the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) and more than six years dedicated to the Alaska SBDC, she enjoys showcasing the triumphs of the Alaska SBDC’s clients and program initiatives, ensuring their stories resonate with a wide-ranging, diverse, and engaged statewide audience. Coupled with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from UAA and a Master of Arts in Communication, specializing in New Media and Marketing from Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), she enjoys navigating the ever-evolving digital landscape.navigating
